2024 COVERS

2024 covers

Welcome to the Dark Side!

We are writers mainly from Australia and New Zealand who write speculative fiction with romantic elements. Be it fantasy, paranormal, dark urban fantasy, futuristic and everything in between.

Tuesday 19 March 2024

DarkSider News: March 2024 - part 3!

          



“Literature is my Utopia” 
~ Helen Keller





EVENTS



Readers Take Denver
Denver, USA
18-21 April 2024



will feature DarkSiders:
Lana Pecherczyk
HM Hodgson










Apollycon
Washington DC, USA
25-28 April 2024


will feature DarkSider:
Lana Pecherczyk





Ages of Pages
​Claudelands Event Centre, Hamilton, New Zealand
​Saturday 27 April

will feature DarkSiders:
Keri Arthur
Mary Brock Jones

Entry Free.





Knockout Book Bash
Louisville,USA
29 June

will feature DarkSider:





Trope Actually
Romance Writers of Australia
Stamford Grand, Adelaide
16-18 August


will feature DarkSider:
Anna Hackett


Indie Evolution
Anna Hackett

Level Up your Indie Author Business

Bestselling indie author, Anna Hackett, will share her roadmap to success and building a sustainable author business. This includes optimizing your books, marketing strategies, and how to level up and advance your career.

Do the basics well: website, newsletter, regular releases, reader engagement, marketing.
Optimise your books: editing, covers, series, genre and tropes.
Level up to find your audience: ARC teams, collaboration, promotion, audiobooks and translations.

Early Bird tickets until 20 May.





Trope Actually Book Signing
Romance Writers of Australia
Stamford Grand, Adelaide
Friday 16 August


will feature DarkSider:
Anna Hackett
Helen Walton
HM Hodgson
Melanie Pickering











NEW RELEASES


Shield of Fire
Book 4, Relic Hunters
Keri Arthur
Released: 19 March


A new relic hunt. A new evil…

Resident Relic Hunter for Deva’s Fae Council is a title Bethany Aodhán never wanted, but it isn’t like she has a choice. And in truth, the appointment might just aid her quest to find her mother’s murderers—because at least one of those responsible is a member of the council, and getting access to their records could give her the connection and their identity.

But before she can be given her first task or even start her behind-the-scenes hunt, a building belonging to Cynwrig Lùtair—the highborn dark elf who is not only her council liaison but lover—is set alight, and they barely escape with their lives.

It quickly becomes clear that the cause of the fire was a relic belonging to the god of smiths and fire, capable of destroying anything made within a forge, old or new. And the man wielding it is an elf who stirs uneasy echoes of past darkness within Bethany.

As the attacks intensify and draw ever closer to home, it’s increasingly evident that not only do the keys to finding the culprits lie in the past Bethany can’t remember, but he’s someone who knew her very well indeed.

Someone who has no qualms about doing whatever it takes to get what he wants from her.

Even if that means killing Lugh.

Buy






Season of the Wolf trilogy
Books 1-3, Fae Guardians
Lana Pecherczyk
Release: 11 March


Humans destroyed this world.

The Fae rebuilt it.

Thousands of years later, humans want it back.

After a Nuclear Winter leaves our world a barren wasteland, a woman from our time is frozen for two thousand years and thrust into a fantasy world very different from the one she left. She finds herself with magic and mated to a lethal Fae Guardian—someone who kills her kind. They must put aside their differences and work together to uncover the sinister plot threatening to destroy the land once and for all.

Saving the world starts with opening their hearts.

This Trilogy Box Set comes with the first 3 books in the Fae Guardians series plus a bonus Novella

The Longing of Lone Wolves
The Solace of Sharp Claws
Of Kisses and Wishes Novella
The Dreams of Broken Kings

(Amazon link)





A War of Ruin and Reckoning
Book 9, Season of the Elf, Fae Guardians
Lana Pecherczyk
Release: 8 March in audio format


A reckoning is coming… but who will it hurt the most?

When environmental activist Nova Morales wakes thousands of years after a nuclear fallout, she is surrounded by magic, monsters, and war. The earth she fought to protect is in pieces, along with her heart. Everyone she loved is dead. All she wants is to find answers, but instead, she finds herself the unwilling prize in an Unseelie mate hunt.

Elf Guardian Leaf has always prioritized duty to the Well. His fate is his own, despite what the Prime and that insufferable psychic Clarke say about him being fated to a human from the old world. He doesn’t have time for love when a blight on their magic source has the enemy breathing down their necks. But when avoiding his duty throws him into the path of a beautiful war prize who claims they used to be lovers, he’s forced to question everything—even his memory.

The trouble with questions is they lead to answers better left buried. And as more painful secrets come to light, Leaf starts to wonder who the truth will ruin most—the Prime with her machinations, the unhinged Unseelie Queen and her war of vengeance, the crow shifter with a chip on his wings, the lost daughter of an ally… or Nova, the woman he’s falling in love with.

Book Nine in the Fae Guardians series features Leaf, the Cadre of Twelve team leader, and Nova Morales. 

Buy





Sloth & Other Delights
Book 5, Mytho
TJ Nichols
Released: March in audio format
Narrated by Roberto Scarlato
Listening length: 6hr 56m



Having survived the attempted razing of their enclave by the dragons, the vampires are now holding Jordan’s sister hostage and are demanding a unicorn for her safe return. There’s only one problem.

Unicorns aren’t animals. They are wild magic best left alone.

Jordan holds the media responsible for Katie’s capture. If they had stayed out of his private life, she would’ve been safe. With Edra banned from LA and Jordan unable to even look at the case, there is nothing they can do to facilitate her release unless they want to risk catching a unicorn.

The vote that will decide the status of mythological people draws near, protests are increasing, and wild magic is creating havoc in the city. Jordan and Edra are pushed to their breaking point. When Jordan encounters the unicorn, it gives him what he craves most: escape.

As tensions rise, lines are drawn. Edra is on his own to save Jordan and the city.

Buy







Familiar Mates 
Books 7-9
Books 7-9, Familiar Mates
TJ Nichols
Released: March in hardback


MM fated mates romance

One kiss can change the life of a witch and shifter forever, binding their lives and magic. For some it is a wanted bond, for others it is something to be avoided. When it happens there are always consequences...

"I loved watching these guys explore their relationships and their feelings and figure out how to make it all work." - Joyfully Jay on The Firefighter's Familiar

Includes:

The Soldier's Familiar
The Billionaire's Familiar
The Firefighter's Familiar

Buy







Non Spec-Fic


The Devil in Denim
Book 1, New York Saints
Melanie Scott
Released: 19 March


He’s not just a curveball, he’s her worst nightmare

Maggie Jameson grew up living and breathing baseball. After all, her dad owns the New York Saints and raised her to think she’d take his place running them one day. The Saints aren’t just a team, they’re her family. Until her dad sells out to Alex Winters and his two best friends. And just like that, a gorgeous billionaire who has no business setting foot on her ballpark is calling the shots, and she’s standing on the sidelines. She’s calling foul and declaring him her enemy.

He loves the game, but he can’t win without her

 Alex is known for always closing the deal but he knows saving the Saints won’t be easy. Especially when he realises that he needs Maggie on side if he’s going to win over the players and get the job done. Maggie is smart and beautiful, knows the Saints inside out, and he can’t quite get her out of his head. Pity she’s made it clear she’d rather strike him out than ever cooperate with him. And he’d be crazy to try to steal the heart of a woman who hates him, right? Or is sinning with Saint Maggie the key to winning the whole game?

The Devil in Denim is the first book in the New York Saints series, a steamy sports romance series. This series has billionaires, baseball, strong heroines, team drama, the occasional cute pet, and sexy times. Enjoy!








Secret Heiress
Book 2, Second Chance at Love
M.L. Tompsett
Released: 11 March


One last night of passion can purge the guy you’ve loved for the past twelve years from your mind and heart…right?

Izzy Delany, at thirteen, lost her parents in a tragic accident in Australia. New York became her new home with her aunt, and that is where she met Mel Astor. The day Izzy met Mel’s eldest brother, Tristian, her teenage heart and mind fell in love.
At twenty-five, Izzy is successful with three companies. Under the guise of using her grandmother’s maiden name, the Astor family has no idea their biggest competitor is none other than little Izzy.

Tristian made sure he did not have time for Izzy over the years, keeping his distance and giving the impression that he did not like her. When in reality, she was his secret little crush…

Tristian Astor is a master at being in charge of everything in his life, and his sister’s best friend is not part of the equation. Pity his heart does not agree to keep the woman of his dreams at arm’s length.

When Izzy discovers her life is in danger, can she survive long enough to inform Tristian he is the father of her baby and that she loves him? Or will Izzy lose everything, including her life, in this friends-to-lovers romance?






Burn
Anna Hackett
Book 3, Fury Brothers
Released: 14 March


I have one goal—arrest billionaire businessman Kavner Fury.

I’m dedicated to my job as a Treasury agent, and taking down crooked financial criminals. Just like the one who destroyed my family.

Kavner Fury is wealthy, powerful, and ambitious, a combination I know too well. He’s New Orleans’ favorite billionaire. Sure, he’s also handsome, charming, with a hard body no man who sits behind a desk should have, but I have no plans to let that distract me.

He’s my enemy, my nemesis…and pure temptation. I won’t let our scorching attraction derail my investigation. But as my money laundering case leads me into dangerous territory, I find myself under attack.

Injured and betrayed, I’m shocked that there is only one man I can turn to. One man who can keep me safe.

Now I’m working with Kavner, side by side, and I uncover a protective man who’s taking a blow-torch to my icy defenses. I get to see the real man beneath the gorgeous exterior, and I’m having trouble keeping my hands off him.

Suddenly, the only man I trust is my enemy, and we’re both caught up in a fiery attraction that could leave us both burned.







A Very Merry Widow
Book 3, Search
Imogene Nix
Released: 14 February


Louisa thought she’d made the right choice. Jeremy had been the man she’d loved, but he wasn’t who she thought he was. After he dies in a horse riding accident, she wants more. Not another husband, but perhaps a lover who’d fulfilled her needs while she raised her daughters.

Albert never expected to return to England, let alone to take up the family seat or the title of Earl of Conney. Yet here he was, returning from the wilds of Australia, with his friend, Frederick. A convicted felon. He’d sworn to himself if he was going to assume the title, he’d use the influence that went with it to clear his friends name. Brothers-in-law, Langdon Devereaux and Aeddan Fitzsimmons are the connections he needs, and they bring him into the contact with Louisa Lavenwood, a beautiful and aloof widow with two gorgeous but young daughters.

But she has a dark secret, and this unwilling hero feels the need to save her. Along the way passion explodes and they’re helplessly lost in its thrall; if only they can overcome the danger, then perhaps more than passion lies in their future.












PRE-ORDERS

Shadow's End
Book 12, Lizzie Grace
Keri Arthur
Expected Release: 22 July


With a wedding to plan and a prospective mother-in-law who hates her, an ancient vampire seeking brutal revenge might be the least of Lizzie’s problems…





Edge of Night
Book 3, House Secrets
Imogene Nix
Expected release: 14 April


Pippa is terrified of her step father, Roger—a dangerous and cannibalistic paranormal. For years both Pippa and her twin Peter, have been prisoners, keeping his house and his home in order allowing him to pursue his desires. When Peter has a chance encounter with Simon, they finally have the support to make a run to freedom.

Maxim is a fairy trying to put his life back together, rather than hiding as he’s done for the last ten years. Niamh and Simon offer him a home, and a chance to finally achieve his desired career, but chance is a fickle thing, because next door is the timid Pippa and her twin Peter. She innocently ignites his protective side, against his will.

Roger doesn’t relinquish what is his easily, and the danger grows deeper. Pippa and Maxim along with Peter are moved to what should be a safer location, but the danger follows and while their attraction grows, so do the stakes.







Phoenix Mate
Book 3, Brothers of Fire
TJ Nichols
Expected Release: 28 May direct; 
4 June Amazon


Kaine finds his fated mate and secrets come between the brothers. 

Explore the hidden kingdom of Mont de Leucoy in Book 3 of the Brothers of Fire series. 


Pre-Order 









Non Spec-Fic


Angel in Armani
Book 2, New York Saints
Melanie Scott
Expected Release: 16 April


She’s on her last strike and he’s the wrong guy to save her

Sara Charles knows the odds are against her. Her dad is injured, Charles Air is down to just one helicopter, and there’s only her to save her family. So when part-owner of the New York Saints, billionaire surgeon Lucas Angelo books a flight, she’s determined to make a good impression. He’s distractingly gorgeous, but absolutely out of her league even if she didn’t have to keep things professional. But when a storm turns their flight to a disaster and they wind up in the last motel room in town, she figures he’ll never hire her again anyway, so she takes a chance on just one night with the hottest man she’s ever met.

He’s always in control but she’s the fastball he never saw coming

Lucas Angelo doesn’t make rash decisions. A surgeon needs a cool head, and he always keeps his. Until Sara Charles seduces him and then vanishes in the morning. He should be furious and even if he wasn’t, he has no time for romance between the Saints’ spring training schedule and his own practice. But he just can’t forget that night. When he hunts her down to offer her a job as his personal pilot, she’s understandably wary but takes the job on the condition it’s strictly business. But he knows what he wants and, when it comes to the business of winning her heart, he knows how to pitch a perfect game. 

Angel in Armani is the second book in the New York Saints series, a steamy sports romance series. This series has billionaires, baseball, strong heroines, team drama, the occasional cute pet, and sexy times. Enjoy!






Lawless in Leather
Book 3, New York Saints
Melanie Scott
Expected Release: 11 May


She might not know baseball, but she knows trouble when she sees it

Raina Easton has sworn off bad boys. These days she’s focused on keeping her burlesque club afloat, which is why she’s taken a job coaching the New York Saints new dance squad, the Fallen Angels. The cash from that gig will help her buy her club outright and secure her future. But then she meets tall, dark, and grumpy, Malachi Coulter, part-owner of the Saints, and now their head of security. He’s got bad idea written all over him and even though he’s ridiculously attractive, Raina is determined to keep her head.

He won’t let anyone steal his heart, but her moves are hard to resist

These days Malachi is playing the smart game. Manage the risks, keep everyone safe, and don’t let anyone in. His life is just how he likes it—under control. But when Raina bounces into the Saints, all slinky moves, smart mouth, and smoking body, he’s not sure what’s hit him. She’s exactly the kind of woman he doesn’t need. She’s playing at being sensible, but he knows she has a wild streak buried deep. One that matches his own. He knows he shouldn’t let her in, but she’s all he can think about. But if he thinks she’s worth risking it all for, he’s going to have to break all the rules to win her heart.

Lawless In Leather is the third book in the New York Saints series, a steamy sports romance series. This series has billionaires, baseball, strong heroines, team drama, the occasional cute pet, and sexy times. Enjoy!







Playing Hard
Book 4, New York Saints
Melanie Scott
Expected Release: 11 June


She’s playing it smart and he’d be a bad, bad idea

Amelia Graham has always been the MVP of good girls. Keeping her head down and playing safe have gotten her all the way to Wall Street and the security she craves. There’s no room in her game-plan for bad boys. And New York Saints first baseman Oliver Shields is way too smooth to be anything but bad. His face might be hot enough to melt unwary hearts, but she knows enough about athletes to know they’re usually players in more ways than one.

He lives for the game but she’s changing the rules

Oliver never takes his eyes off the prize. But when he meets Amelia at a party celebrating the Saints finally making the play offs, he can’t help thinking maybe one wild night with her is just what he needs. Pity she’s playing hard to get. But when things go horribly wrong and he’s facing the end of his career, Amelia is the one who unexpectedly steps up to the plate to help him through even though she’s supposed to be focused on winning her dream job. Flirting turns to feelings neither of them are ready to admit, but when faced with goodbye, can they swing for the fences and risk it all for love?

Playing Hard is the fourth book in the New York Saints series, a steamy sports romance series. This series has billionaires, baseball, strong heroines, team drama, the occasional cute pet, and sexy times. Enjoy!





Playing Fast
Book 5, New York Saints
Melanie Scott
Expected Release: 9 July


She never worried about her crush on baseball’s bad boy until he landed right in her lap

Eva Harlowe always figured her crush on Finn Castro would never be anything but her deepest fantasy. Until the Saints send him down to the minors after one too many scandals. And given Eva works for the Sarasota Springs Preachers, that means now her job is dealing with the fallen Saint way too up close and personal. Finn might as well have ‘bad decision’ tattooed on his forehead and she knows she has to resist. Which would be easier if meeting the gorgeous Finn face to face didn’t make her want to learn all the wicked things he can teach her.

He’s trying to learn his lesson, but she makes him want to play dirty

Finn knows he’s on his last chance. Three strikes and the Saints have exiled him to see if he can reform his ways. He needs to keep his head down and prove that he deserves a second chance. But Eva would tempt even a true saint and he’s not even close to that. When the two of them strike a bargain for a strictly one season fling, it seems the perfect solution. But hearts don’t always follow the rules and as their clock starts to run out, they either have to face their feelings or lose everything they are.

Playing Fast is the fifth book in the New York Saints series, a steamy sports romance series. This series has billionaires, baseball, strong heroines, team drama, the occasional cute pet, and sexy times. Enjoy!illionaires, baseball, strong heroines, team drama, the occasional cute pet, and sexy times. Enjoy!






Eyes Tight Shut
Book 22, Detectives Kane and Alton
D.K Hood
Expected Release: 21 May


Her heart races as she waits for her date to arrive. When the doorbell rings, her excitement quickly turns to fear when she takes in her date’s menacing stare as he closes the door behind him. He’s not here to find love, and there’s no time to scream before her world goes black…

When Dakota Slade fails to turn up to work at the general store, Sheriff Jenna Alton and her deputy David Kane visit her home in Black Rock Falls. TV still blaring, Dakota’s lifeless body is draped across the battered old sofa, her dark hair hanging over her delicate face, her young life taken too soon. With a shuddering breath, Jenna notices two small scorch marks on the back of the victim’s neck. Dakota has been electrocuted.

Leaping into action, Jenna traces Dakota’s last steps but quickly hits a wall. Dakota went to church every week, helped at local charities, and she was loved by those around her. Why would anyone want to harm her?

Then another young woman is found dead in her living room, the same two burn marks on her neck. Jenna’s heart shatters. Convinced a twisted killer is preying on women who live alone, she fears another innocent soul will be taken soon.

A breakthrough comes when Jenna uncovers rumors of a sleazy customer who visited both victims at work. Watching CCTV footage, her pulse pounds as she looks at the screen. The man in the film is someone close to her, someone she thought she could trust. Can Jenna take down the killer if it’s someone she loves? And will she catch him in time to stop another vulnerable young woman being murdered?






Falling For Mr. Fake It
Book 2, Hope Bay
Helen Walton
Expected Release: 22 March


Fake it. Laugh. Love.

Hannah
I never expected to see my first and only love again. When he appears on my small hometown beach in Hope Bay, I do the only sensible thing and pretend my dog trainer is my boyfriend. He seems willing to go along with the fake title, so there shouldn’t be a problem.
The longer we spend in our fake relationship, the more I realize Shawn is everything I’ve ever wanted in a man, and I’m falling in love with him.
But where will that leave us when we no longer need to fake it?

Shawn
I should have given up on the impossible of training Hannah’s naughty beagle months ago, but I’d fallen in love with her. Except she didn’t know I existed as a man until she asked me to play along as her fake boyfriend.
Of course, I use every chance I get to prove to her I’m better than her ex-boyfriend.
But what if she’s still in love with him?








OTHER NEWS




Claire Boston

Claire now has a new website with a store.


















TJ Nichols

TJ's Kickstarter campaign for the Outcast Pack Omnibuses begins 25 March.  

 





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Congratulations to our DarkSiders! 
Happy Reading everyone. Be safe & well. 

check out all our books on our dsdu-books shelf:
DarkSide DownUnder's book lists (dsdu-books shelf)